The River Niger is a play by Joseph A. Walker, first performed by New York City's Negro Ensemble Company off-Broadway in 1972. The production made its Broadway debut with a transfer to the Brooks Atkinson Theatre on March 27, 1973, for a run of 162 performances.
Critically acclaimed, The River Niger won the Tony Award for Best Play in 1974, and was adapted into a film starring James Earl Jones and Cicely Tyson in 1976.
Characters Mattie Williams Johnny Williams Dr. Dudley Stanton Jeff Williams Ann Vanderguild Big Moe Hayes Al Chips Skeeter Gail Wilhelmina Brown
Adaptations
The play was adapted by Walker for film in 1976, directed by Krishna Shah starring Cicely Tyson and James Earl Jones.
Awards and nominations Awards 1973 Drama Desk Award for Most Promising Playwright – Joseph A. Walker 1973 Obie Award for Best American Play 1974 Tony Award for Best Play
Nominations 1974 Tony Award for Best Featured Actor in a Play – Douglas Turner Ward 1974 Tony Award for Best Featured Actress in a Play – Roxie Roker
References
External links The River Niger play Original Off-Broadway Production Original Broadway Production